After noting the $336,693 shortfall, Sheriff Weiss told the board the ambulance barn bathrooms need $4,160 in mold repairs. The board approved repairs funded by ARPA. They also approved: the Circuit Clerk’s union contract, health insurance with Pan American, and a $16,700 ETC grant.
The board again tabled moving Carmi voting precincts to the First Christian Church. Pigg said members lack information about the Fairgrounds and hope for clarity by January.
Also, during last month’s meeting, Sheriff Weiss brought up the idea of installing Flock cameras in town, prompting some citizens to be outraged at the thought of being watched. Weiss was adamant at the December meeting that that wasn’t the case; it’s for safety use only. His intention was to share more details about the cameras and to allow the public to voice their concerns.
“There’s a lot of success stories with it. It’s another tool for law enforcement to use to catch actual criminals. I brought it to you guys so the public would understand the cameras.”
County members did not have to vote on the cameras, but they did show their full support for the Sheriff’s purchase of them.
The board approved the consent agenda. Chairwoman Pigg removed an item and later abstained from voting on the appointment of D. Caleb Hughes to the Southeastern Economic Development Authority Board. The other board members approved the appointment.
Lastly, departments updated the board with their reports. Ambulance Director Adam Allen traveled to Arkansas to acquire two new ambulances, but was able to pick up only one due to technical issues delaying the other. Allen expressed his sincere gratitude to the Absher Charitable Foundation for its generous donation, which enabled the purchase of the ambulances. Sheriff Weiss was proud to relay that “Shop with a Cop” helped 40+ children, with over $300 spent. Treasurer Mike Baxley stated that property tax delinquents had been mailed, and Brian Ray explained that the highway department will spend about $525,000 on road repairs.
The White County Board went into executive session after announcing that board meetings will move to the third Tuesday of each month, starting in January 2026.
The next County board meeting will be on January 20 at 7 pm.